jens's Profile
I love Red Cat, what else would I like?
You might like Perilla. Or the Tavern Room at Gramercy Tavern.
Eating at the Bar
I was just at EMP last night and both my husband and I agreed that we def be back-- to eat at the bar.
Prince St. News - Zoe is Siezed & Mac Bar is coming
Surprised that they were having trouble--they always seem busy when I walk by.
Can anyone explain how Ama on MacDougal Street stays open? That place is never ever anywhere near full.
Gramercy Tavern or Gotham?
I've been to both recently, although we ate in the Tavern Room at Gramercy.
Gotham was great, but I agree with a previous poster, the menu was very 1999. But, everything we had was perfection. Just not a very interesting menu. And, it was viciously expensive. But, I think it has a better 'special' occasion feel to it so it might be a great choice given that you're celebrating.
Our food at Gramercy was great too and I'd go back to Gramercy before I would Gotham. I think their menu, in general, is much more interesting, but that is not a reflection on the quality of Gotham's food, more a reflection of my personal taste.
The service was outstanding at both restaurants.
Whatever you decide, I hope it is a memorable night out for all! Best of luck.
Are there any reasonable ($$) options around MOMA?
You might try Fig & Olive on 53rd, between Fifth & Mad. I find that they are reasonably priced for Midtown. I've never been disappointed by any of their restaurants.
Gramercy Tavern
I was at the Tavern Room with my husband two weeks ago. While the menu is not ground-breaking, the food was delicious and the service was top-notch. Adding it all up, it made for a terrifc dining experience.
I've been to the main dining room in the very distant past-- in general, I prefer an a la carte menu, and the more casual but lively atmosphere of the Tavern Room works for me. We arrived at the restaurant at around 6:30 on a Friday night and waited at the bar for about 45 minutes for a table.
Graduation Dinner near Wash. Sq. Park
I'd try Otto with a big group, or Jane, on Houston Street. Noise could be an issue in either restaurant, but I think both are crowd pleasers. You might also want to think about Salt on MacDougal Street, just south of Houston-- they have a large communal table that could seat your party, and the food is terrific.
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Jane
100 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10012
Salt
58 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012
Rockerfeller Ctr. rec for tonight.
I would go to Wu Liang Ye for a casual, but good meal. It is on 48th, right off the plaza, on the south side of the street. The service can be brusque, but the food is delicious.
Generally, I've found that there are a lot of so-so and overpriced restaurants in and around Rock Center.
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/wu-liang-ye-2/
Dinner with your best friends. Where to go?
If I were answering this question for myself, I would choose Perilla in the Village. I've had many great meals there, and the price point seems very reasonable to me, given the quality of the food. I think of it as a great place for conversation-- see if they'll let you reserve one of the booths-- it feels a little more private than a standard four top. Good luck! Hope you have a great night out.
SoHo dinner for family
I've had a great meal at Shorty's, although haven't been back to confirm my initial impression. Hundred Acres is okay, but I've never been wow'd. I would stay far far away from Ama. There is never anyone in it-- I don't know how they stay in business.
Salt, also on MacDougal, has really great food, but it is a bit above your price-point. Also, there's La Sirene (lasirenenyc.com) which also may be over your price point, but it is BYOB, so you could stay on budget that way.
I'd also take a look at Snack, on Thompson. The food is good, not terrific, but it is really cute and may fit your budget.
Good luck! Hope you have a terrific time.
What healthy dips/appetizers are you putting out for guests?
I have been making the following, which doesn't really have a name (the recipe called it a Throne...) Guests LOVE these and they go quickly.
Mix cream cheese and blue cheese in a 1:1 ratio. Top a dried apricot with the mixture and a toasted pecan.
Goes great with champagne or a sparking wine.
Here's a similar recipe that I found on line:
http://momrecipes.blogspot.com/2006/01/appetizer-liz-as-apricot-thrones-with.html
Revised BYOB list in 2009?
My husband and I regularly enjoy La Sirene. lasirenenyc.com It is a BYOB restaurant (no corkage) and has been reviewed favorably in the NYTs.
GREAT but Affordable Sushi
We've been really happy dining at Ariyoshi on Broadway between 11th & 12th. We find the fish quality similar to Blue Ribbon. We also enjoy Soto and Ushiwakamaru, but not always the prices. We've tried Sushi Azabu, but weren't very wowed, although we liked the space.
Matsugen Bday Celebration
I took my husband to Matsugen for his birthday and was disappointed. It just wasn't that special. I've been to Megu as well, and preferred it to Matsugen. But it isn't cheap.
If I were planning a night out and unsure of everyone's financial situation, I might try La Sirene which is BYOB. lasirenenyc.com
Hope this helps...and Happy Birthday!
Looking for talk-friendly atmosphere and good food
Hi-- the food at La Sirene is really good and might fit the bill given your budget. It is a BYOB and they have an extremely reasonable $25 fixed menu early in the evening. It is a unique NY dining experience and I think you'll find that has heart and soul.
lasirenenyc.com
Comment on these SoHo restaurants, please.
Hello Neighbor,
Savore is okay, like many said here, not worth a special trip. I agree with the others, you can skip the Cub Room, you are not missing anything. Our old standbys include Zoe, where I appreciate being able to make a brunch reservation, as well as Jane (okay, north of Houston). Have had many many good meals at Blue Ribbon Sushi, although I know some would disagree. If you're willing to head west, La Sirene, a BYOB is on Broome and Varick and a place we enjoy.
Have you tried Snack? I'm attempting for the first time tonight.
Good luck.
What healthy dips/appetizers are you putting out for guests?
Hope this link works. It is for a Moroccan Roasted Carrot dip. Very yummy.
http://www.freshdirect.com/recipe.jsp?catId=rec_course&subCatId=rec_course_app&recipeId=rec_wk_morcc_ovn_crt_spr&trk=cpage
What is your favorite cookbook of all time?
Sunday Suppers by Suzanne Goin. Everything I've made from here has been terrific. Love her flavors, her writing and her focus on seasonal ingredients. If I had to pick a 2nd place winner, I'd choose Spice by Ana Sortun. I've made lots of winners from this cookbook and I've learned so much about different spices and cooking from the eastern Mediterranean countries.
SOHO - Neighborhood Feel
You might try Rocco's on Thompson St, between Houston and Prince. It has been in business for 80 years and is very much a neighborhood place. I've been there a few times and have always enjoyed it. It isn't Babbo, but a great choice for a decent and reasonably priced meal.
"Whole" Buttermilk - where to find?
I had the same issue here in Manhattan and I did just as misnatalie mentioned. Good luck!
Sorrel at USQ Farmer's Market Today!
Thanks for sharing. I've been looking for pea shoots to make a recipe from Sunday Suppers at Lucques, hope I won't have to wait too long.
What Recent Meal "Blew You Away"?
Great question!
My husband and I have spent way too much money at restaurants that did NOT blow us away.
HOWEVER-- a few exceptions: 1) Soto-- I love his food. The salmon citrus and steamed minute tai come to mind as dishes that we really really enjoyed...eyes back in head, etc. 2) Perilla-- I've really enjoyed everything I've eaten at Perilla, and love the laid back but sophisticated styling of the restaurant and the wait staff has been excellent. 3) Toloache-- the drinks, guacamole and entree offerings combine to make a great meal. Very very fresh and thoughtfully conceived.
What are some new restaurants in NY with great food? Don't care about price or type of cuisine.
I regularly enjoy your old-time favorites.
You might want to check out the new Blue Ribbon Sushi & Grill near Columbus Circle-- I loved the Yasei Kinoko- a mushroom salad with tamari butter.
My two favorite new restaurants are 1) Perilla, on Jones Street-- it has a warm, sophisticated feel, and I've found that the service and food are top notch. Also 2) Soto, a new Japanese on 6th Ave near Waverly-- def try the citrus salmon and the steamed minute tai. We were just there on Friday night and everything we tried left us awed.
Have fun and welcome back...
Celery Root shmelry root
I love butternut squash and celery root soup. I roast cubes of the vegetables on a 3:2 ratio at 400 degrees along with onions and a sprinkle fennel seeds, about a tsp. It takes about 50 minutes or so for them to get soft. I then simmer them with chicken stock-- a quart or so, and a little white wine, for about 30 minutes. Once complete, puree.
Anniversary Dinner
I would agree about Market Table, it is a good restaurant, but not that special. I would say, given the restaurants that you list above, consider adding Perilla. I have had some great meals there, and it is small and intimate.
Barfry
I was there last night, probably my fourth or fifth visit. My sense is that the tempura has lightened up a bit since my first try. I'm a big fan of the shitake and string bean tempura. Also-- the past two visits they have had a Montauk fluke shashimi-- it was truly fabulous-- reminded me of dishes I've loved at Soto, which is a high compliment in my book. I've also enjoyed the Barfry salad, and recently tried the Black sesame gelato, which was a treat.
My only complaint is that the music is really really loud. (Which probably means I'm really really old.)
Best Blackout cake in NYC?
I've also seen the Two Little Red Hens Blackout cake sold at Dean & DeLuca in Soho. I've had the same from the Brooklyn location and it is one of the best desserts I've ever had.
Recommendations in Meat Packing District
I've really enjoyed Fig & Olive-- mediterranean food.
Fresh Direct--Anyone tried the fish??
I just made salmon from FD last night-- flash frozen Alaskan king. It was good, and saved me a hassled trip to Citarella.
Fiamma
Most of the men had jackets, but the restaurant doesn't require them, as far as I know.
